I have been dealing with a tight neck and headaches and constant ear ringing for about three years. I have seen one chiro who said in xrays that my neck's spinal curve is straight aka military neck. MY jaw also clicks from time to time.

Has anyone experienced this issue as well? Been living with this for so long i don't know what to do anymore. Are there also any exercises to compliment military neck correction?

Please help

Manny

Bob652

06-27-2015 06:15 AM

Sorry to hear about your issue. In doing some reading just now on the topic, the goal is to restore the normal "C" curvature of the neck. An important thing to do is to find a neck support pillow. Usually these are raised on the edge and indented inside so they give more support to your neck and allow your head to rest at a lower level. There are some exercises but it is recommended to be under the care of a physical therapist to be sure you improve and not worsen your condition. They are usually the experts at body mechanics. Although it's recommend that you continue with a physical therapist until you are healed, many people go to a session or two to learn the exercises and then just continue on their own. It probably depends on your budget what you are able to do.

I hope that helps.

mso998

06-28-2015 07:33 PM

Re: Military Neck TMJ

Thanks for the insight, Bob. I am looking into it now. It just gets very hard to cope with the constant ringing all day long in my ears. If there was a way to reduce the ringing and begin neck rehab would be so beneficial. Any ringing ideas?

Thank you

Manny

Bob652

06-29-2015 05:16 AM

Are you sure the ringing is connected to the neck? I know it's possible but they could also be separate issues. Ringing is often caused by permanent damage from being around loud noises for too long. Do you work around loud noises, listen to loud music, or go to a lot of concerts?

mso998

06-29-2015 10:00 AM

Re: Military Neck TMJ

No not really. It seems connected just because the whole jaw ears and neck thing came together at roughly the same time

mso998

06-29-2015 10:01 AM

Re: Military Neck TMJ

Perhaps it is connected, just dont know who to see. Thinking of maybe a tmj specialist also

mso998

06-29-2015 10:03 AM

Re: Military Neck TMJ

any input is appreciated

caiter4

06-29-2015 10:15 AM

Re: Military Neck TMJ

Because of the location of neck/jaw muscles and the inner ear the ringing could definitely be related. Massage or physical therapy is definitely the way to go

Bob652

06-29-2015 10:51 AM

I agree with both of you. Massage or PT and a TMJ specialist are probably good solutions. I only had a TMJ issue one time but my ear hurt so badly that I was convinced my eardrum was about to pop. As all of the nerves run together, it is common to have referred pain which means that you feel pain in something unrelated to the actual cause. I just read a study a few minutes ago that there is even a casual relationship between TMJ and neck pain / tightness. Obviously you have a diagnosed neck issue but maybe the TMJ is making it worse.

mso998

06-29-2015 10:59 AM

Re: Military Neck TMJ

That's what I'm thinking pt and a chiro perhaps. Massage is good but only provides me temporary relief somewhat. Who are tmj specialists? See my dentist first? If I can get the ringing out of the way everything else would be so much easier to deal with.ringing just makes everything ten times worse

mso998

06-29-2015 11:02 AM

Re: Military Neck TMJ

Bob. What did you do for your tmj issue

Bob652

06-29-2015 11:06 AM

After waking up with severe pain and racing to urgent care thinking I was about to go deaf, they gave me an anti inflammatory and a muscle relaxer. I was better in a few days. I don't remember what initially triggered the problem but I've since learned to avoid chewing gum or any chewy candies that take a great deal of effort or repetitive motion.

SJCATS

07-13-2015 04:20 PM

Re: Military Neck TMJ

If you are looking for a chiropractor, you should look into upper cervical care or NUCCA chiro. They specialize in this area.

ekranger

08-10-2015 08:56 PM

Re: Military Neck TMJ

Same here. I'm 27, TMJ started at age 12, about a year after getting braces. Then at 14 I started having neck and shoulder pain. Xray showed slight curve (creating pinched nerve under shoulder) and military (goes between that and sometimes reverse) neck. The more I see my chiropractor, the better it gets. If I miss a few weeks (or god forbid months) of seeing him, it all goes back to crap and I'm back at square 1. Be cautious in choosing your chiropractor, some can make it worse. Find a reputable chiro who you can stick with.

idstew

08-16-2015 05:13 PM

Re: Military Neck TMJ

I too have "Military Neck" and TMJ. I don't have ringing in my ears but my ears always feel congested and painful, I go through a box of q-tips every couple of months trying to dig stuff out of my ears that isn't there.
The "side burn" pain is a pretty accurate description. Mine not only hurt but are warm to the touch.